Science Theory and Method
Course description
The course deals with basic scientific theory, ethics and scientific methods and provides an understanding of scientific approaches and the difference between science and pseudoscience. Gender perspectives on research and science are addressed. During the course, skills in argumentation and scientific reasoning are practised. Research processes are described and certain individual elements, including literature search, compilation and statistical analysis, are practiced. Qualitative and quantitative methods, including basic statistical methods, with applications in forest science and biology are addressed.
Entry Requirements
Course facts
SV0087, Science Theory and Method, 7.5 Hp
Print syllabus
Syllabus
Finalized by: Ordförande för programnämnden för utbildning inom skog (PN-S), 2025-12-18
Valid from : Autumn semester 2026 (2026-08-31)
Level
First cycle (G1N)
Main field of study
Forestry Science
Grading Scale
The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.
Course language
Swedish
Entry Requirements
Objectives
The purpose of the course is to provide a basic understanding of scientific theory, method and interpretation of data and provide practical skills in numerical analysis.
After completing the course, the student should be able to:
- give an account of scientific theoretical traditions and concepts and describe scientific approaches and ethical aspects of science
- describe qualitative and quantitative methods for data collection and analysis and describe the pros and cons of each method and explain when each method is appropriate
- carry out a literature search and explain the difference between different types of literature
- summarize results and critically review basic statistics in scientific articles
- verbally argue and conduct scientific reasoning
- write a popular science text based on a scientific article
- explain basic statistical terminology
- perform basic calculations in probability theory
- apply descriptive statistics, confidence intervals and hypothesis testing
- interpret obtained statistical results and put them in context
Content
The course deals with basic scientific theory, ethics and scientific methods and provides an understanding of scientific approaches and the difference between science and pseudoscience. Gender perspectives on research and science are addressed. During the course, skills in argumentation and scientific reasoning are practised. Research processes are described and certain individual elements, including literature search, compilation and statistical analysis, are practiced. Qualitative and quantitative methods, including basic statistical methods, with applications in forest science and biology are addressed.
The course is completed with lectures, seminars and practical exercises. Seminars and some lectures are mandatory.
Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course
Approved written examination Completed mandatory elements
Responsible Department/Equivalent
Department of Wildlife, Fish, & Environmental Studies
Supplementary information
Included in program
- Forest Science (BSc)
Module set
| Title | Credits | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Science Theory | 2.0 | 0301 |
| Statistics | 2.0 | 0302 |
| Assignment | 3.5 | 0303 |